Back in the 1960s, Buck Owens was a huge country music singer with a loyal fan base. He was beloved for his energy and style, but eventually, as an artist, he felt the need to leave his comfort zone and branch out: He began performing pop-rock songs on stage and in the studio. Some of his hard-core fans criticized this move.
Concerned that he might be losing support, Buck took swift action. He bought a full-page ad in the March 1965 issue of the Nashville-based fan magazine Music City News to announce his “Pledge to Country Music:”
I shall sing no song that is not a country song.
I shall make no record that is not a country record.
I refuse to be known as anything but a country singer.
I am proud to be associated with country music.
Country music and country music fans made me
what I am today. And I shall not forget it.
As soon as I saw it, this pledge captured my fancy. I began thinking about the idea of creating a Writer’s Pledge for myself that I would address to my readers, wherever and whoever they are. Here’s what I’ve come up with so far:
I will always give the best that I have within me.
I will honor my passions and go where they lead me.
I will nurture my creativity and give it wings.
I will work constantly to improve and enrich my craft.
I will push myself out of my comfort zone and write dangerously.
I will share my knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow writers.
How about you? Would you consider creating your own personal “Writer’s Pledge” – if so, I’d love to hear about it. Write on!
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